The leadership of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Monday evening disclosed that it has not received any invitation on the proposed negotiation with Federal Government scheduled to hold after Sallah break.
‘Biodun Ogunyemi, ASUU President stated this via a telephone chat with BusinessDay.
The ASUU helmsman expressed the readiness of the Union towards further engagement with the Federal Government’s negotiation team.
When asked whether the chief conciliator, Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, has sent invitation for negotiation, Ogunyemi said: “I’ve not seen the invitation.
“But as I said, anytime we see the invitation, we will go,” he assured.
When contacted on the Federal Government’s position, Samuel Olowookere, Deputy Director (Press) for Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, however noted that negotiation with ASUU will resume after Sallah break.
“In view of the determination of the Federal Government to end every disruption in the academic calendar of universities, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige wishes to inform all stakeholders and the general public that conciliation with the university lecturers will resume immediately after the Sallah break as requested by ASUU,” the statement read.
While responding to BusinessDay’s inquiry on the government’s position to the outcome of the emergency meeting held by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), in which the association rejected the provisions in the memorandum of settlement signed by both parties, Olowookere who denied knowledge of the situation, noted that necessary action will be taken by the Ministry on resumption from Sallah break.
Members of the National Executive Council had at the end of the meeting held in Abuja which ended at 3am on Monday, directed all its members across the country to embark on total and indefinite strike until all its demands are met by the Federal Government.
KEHINDE AKINTOLA, Abuja
